107-083 Film Noir: Style and History

Usually 12.5 points of first-year cinema studies.

This subject is a close study of film noir texts from Pandora's Box to Lost Highway with emphasis on an evolving noir style. Topics studied will include the silent period; noir and German expressionism; noir horror; classic Hollywood noir of the 40s; postmodern noir and the evolving image of the femme fatale. Students should complete the subject with an understanding of the historical and stylistic development of the film noir body of texts from the silent period to the present; of the symbolic relevance of the changing image of the femme fatale in the film noir; and of postmodern cinematic practice in relation to contemporary film noir.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

A 1500 word take-home test 30% (due during the semester), a 2500 word essay 60% (due at the end of the examination period) and a tutorial presentation 10% due during the semester).